Idaho Fish Report

Yakima River is Fishing Excellent

Focus on slower inside corner seams, deep pockets and boulder fields when nymphing and streamer fishing. Don't ignore shallow water on cloudy days during a hatch. Layer up and don't forget hand warmers.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Orvis Company

by Orvis Company
10-28-2019

Water flow: 1000@ Umtanum

Visibility: 40 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F

Water condition: Clear

Best time of day to fish: Seasonally dependant

Best stretch: Depending on flows, both the Upper and Lower Yakima have great stretches - most well-known is between Easton and Roza Dam.

Best access point: The Upper Yakima has easy access along I-90, between Easton and Cle Elum. Between Cle Elum and Ellensburg, there are multiple launch points for boats. There is accessible wading, depending on flows, from the BLM campgrounds in the Lower Canyon.

Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:

January - February: midges, small winter stoneflies, mayflies March - May: skwala stones, golden stones, caddis, mayflies June - August: short-wing stoneflies, salmonflies, caddis, crane flies, mayflies, terrestrials September - December: October caddis, mayflies, midges

Fish species: Westslope Cutthroat, Wild Rainbows and Whitefish

Fishing season: Year-round; seasonal hatches make for great spring, summer, and fall fishing.

Nearest airport: Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader

Recommended fly fishing tippet: 3X Tippet

Best fly fishing rod: 9' 5 Weight Fly Rod

Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line

Best sinking fly line: Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line

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Yakima River is Fishing Excellent

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